Certified Radiology Nurse Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Iso-osmolar contrast agents are designed to have an osmolarity that closely matches that of blood plasma. One important characteristic of these agents is their viscosity, which is a crucial factor in their clinical use, especially in imaging procedures.

These agents typically exhibit higher viscosity compared to other contrast agents, such as low-osmolar and high-osmolar agents. The increased viscosity can affect the ease with which the contrast agent can be injected and impacts the flow characteristics during imaging. Understanding this higher viscosity is critical for healthcare providers, as it can influence the choice of agent based on the specific requirements of the procedure being performed and the anatomical area being imaged.

In contrast, other types of contrast agents may have different viscosities that could be either lower or equal depending on their formulation and osmolarity, but iso-osmolar contrast agents are characterized by their notably higher viscosity. This factor also plays a role in patient comfort and potential risks of complications during procedures, making it an essential consideration in radiological nursing practice.